Iranian FM sorry for critical comments

TEHRAN: Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has apologised for critical remarks he was heard saying about the country's political system in a leaked audio recording.

"I would like to apologise to everyone," dpa nws agency quoted Zarif, one of Iran's most high-profile figures and who has been Foreign Minister since 2013, as saying in a social media post on Sunday. Zarif said he regretted comments he made in which he complained about the interference of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), a branch of the armed forces, in diplomatic affairs.

The remarks came in an interview conducted by one of President Hassan Rouhani's advisers. The audio tape was allegedly stolen by "inner circles" and then published by Persian-language news outlets abroad. Later on Sunday, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei criticized Zarif for his comments.

"We have heard statements in recent days that were very regrettable," Khamenei said in a televised speech. He said the remarks resembled US criticism of the IRGC.

"If someone wants to run for the presidency, they must follow the Iranian Constitution and its Islamic principles, otherwise he is not suitable for the post," Khamenei said. Zarif is considered a potential candidate in next month's presidential election. (IANS)

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